When it comes to perfume, most people instantly think of famous French labels such as Chanel N°5, Miss Dior, Yves Saint Lauren's [sic] Opium and Guerlain's Shalimar. However, likely few would know that an essential ingredient in many of these iconic brands likely hails from a small village in Egypt.

Shubra Beloula El-Sakhaweya, located about 97km north of Cairo and simply referred to as Shubra Beloula, is responsible for more than half of the world's production of jasmine. These blossoms yield a classic feminine floral scent found in many perfumes, making jasmine a "foundation stone in perfumery".

— BBC Travel goes to Shubra Beloula. Read more in Shubra Beloula: The tiny Egyptian village few know.